Dear Orchid Doc:

I recently bought two sun Vandas, took them home to Portmore and put them in the sun. I was told that they could take the sun, but they got burnt badly. This is my first try at orchids and I am disappointed. Is there anything I can do to revive them?

— Patrice of Asthrom

Dear Patrice:

I am so sorry about your orchids. Usually I tell my readers that when you buy a sun Vanda, it is always wise to compare the difference between the sunlight from the area it is leaving to that of the new environment. I notice you live in Portmore, where the sunlight is extremely hot.

I would advise that you test areas first, or try to put the leaves pointed in the direction of the rising sun. Don’t turn the flat area towards it.

In the meantime, use a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen, and let them have about 50 per cent shade until they recover.

Dear Orchid Doc:

Since the recent rains, I have been seeing some blighted buds on my strap leaf Vanda. The buds turn yellow and mushy, and there’s a slight odour. Can you help?

— Kathy

Dear Kathy :

If you did not move the plants in the embryonic stage of the blooms, which will cause abortion of the buds, then it could be caused from one of two reasons:

a. They have thrips or

b. They have been getting too much water.

Having not examined the orchids, my feeling is that they have thrips.

You could use Cure or Newmectin or Caprid, all which you can obtain at the farm store. Please wear proper clothing when spraying.

Betty Stephenson Ashley

Orchid Cottage

12 Norbrook Drive

Kingston 8, Jamaica .

Cell # 876-3224585,

Fax 876-931-8805

bettystephensonashley@gmail.com